The 2018 Charlotte County Democratic Party Blue Gala was a rousing success! Over 150 Charlotte County Democrats, including a number of Charlotte County Young Dems, Democratic candidates running for county, state and federal offices and guests, attended the annual event at the Kingsway Country Club in Lake Suzy on March 24.
The event kicked off Charlotte County Democrats’ new community engagement campaign entitled “Change Takes Action! Are You In?” With a focus on communication and participation, the Democrats will hold events in all 67 precincts in Charlotte County to discuss their core Democratic values of justice, opportunity, education, and safety.
A beautiful rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” was sung by Lena Jones of Punta Gorda, from the Saint Mary Primitive Baptist Church.
Multiple Democratic candidates, including Dr. Jan Schneider and David Shapiro, along with April Freeman and Bill Pollard, who are running for the Florida 16th and 17th district Congressional seats respectively, also spoke.
Margaret Good, the recent winner of the Florida state house seat, District 72 attended, and gave her heartfelt thanks to the Charlotte County Democratic party for helping her campaign to get out the vote with additional phone bank calls to Democratic voters.
Christian Ulvert, a public affairs and political consultant, spoke on behalf of Miami Beach Mayor, Phillip Levine, who is running for Governor of Florida.
A “Democrat of Distinction Lifetime Achievement Award” was presented to Judy Schnabel, by Betty Gissendanner, Charlotte County Democratic Executive Committee Vice Chair.
Sean Shaw, Florida State District 61 Representative, who is running for Florida Attorney General, and Florida’s new State Democratic Chair, Terrie Rizzo, gave enthusiastic and informative keynote presentations.
Also attending the gala were nine members of the Charlotte County Young Dems, representing Port Charlotte High School. Their enthusiastic presence was among the highlights of the evening.
Toward the end of the event, more than $11,000 in additional funds were contributed to the Charlotte County Democratic Party. With matching funds of approximately $10,000, the total raised for the evening amounted to $21,000.
A good time was had by all. See you next year!
